Feb. 18: Escape Reality—Through Magic

Good morning, Santa Monica. Thursday was an active one—not only in town, because the rain bypassed us (for a day, at least), but also on Santa Monica Patch. We brought you news on Jamie Lee Curtis being named the keynote speaker for the YWCA's upcoming Focus Awards Gala and also published fresh editions of four new features:

• Get Out and Go (your weekend planner);

• Patch Picks (a top-five list; this one revolves around places to take your dog);

• House Hunt (a guide to open houses); and

• Viewfinder (a special photo gallery; this one focuses on superstar students at St. Monica Catholic High School)

Also, big ups to Santa Monica Patch reader Amy Burnett for contributing the gorgeous photo you see above. If you have an early-morning pic you'd like to share, drop a note to Kurt.Orzeck@patch.com.

We covered most of what's happening today in Get Out and Go, but below are a few loose ends. First, though, as always, here's the ...

Weather Forecast

• chance of rain: 100 percent
• high temperature: 60 degrees
• low temperature: 47 degrees
• sunrise: 6:35 a.m.
• sunset: 5:41 p.m.

Today's Happenings

• If you've had a long week, at the event of the same name. Expect to witness people dissolving and reappearing, and humans floating in mid-air. The fun starts at 8 p.m., and the entrance fee is $27.
• Yoga practitioners of all levels are welcome to visit Yoga at the Beach House, which lasts from 9 to 10 a.m. at—you guessed it—the Annenberg Community Beach House. The cost is $15 per class, or $62 for a five-week session.
• Another ongoing event that we don't touch on often enough is the , which takes place Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at . For $20, you can relieve stress and build confidence—sounds like a bargain to us.
• Caught in the Net continues at the this evening from 8 to 10 p.m. Admission to the theatrical comedy is $18 ($15 for students and seniors).
• Finally, if it's art you're after, check out Ken Soloman's "" at , if you haven't already. The exhibit—which includes a series of watercolors of Google Image Search results, among other works—runs through April 20.

(Go here for more events happening today.)

This Day in Santa Monica History

• On Feb. 18, 2005, Santa Monica was designated as a Preserve America Community for the resources the city devotes to its cultural and natural heritage. A certificate signed by First Lady Laura Bush was given to Santa Monica Mayor Pam O’Connor informing her of the honor.